In 2026, King Charles III still does not reside in Buckingham Palace primarily because of a massive, 10-year "reservicing" project that is not scheduled for completion until 2027. The palace’s infrastructure—including 100 miles of electrical cabling, 20 miles of heating pipes, and 10 miles of water pipes—is being completely replaced to prevent long-term damage and fire risk. The King currently lives at Clarence House, his long-time London home, which he prefers for its more intimate and manageable scale. Furthermore, Charles has historically viewed Buckingham Palace as a "monumental" office rather than a cozy home, and there are reports in 2026 that he intends to keep it primarily as an administrative and ceremonial hub while living elsewhere. He and Queen Camilla typically split their time between Clarence House, Windsor Castle, and his beloved Highgrove estate. Until the North Wing renovations (where the private royal apartments are located) are finalized in late 2027, the "Big House" remains a construction zone for the reigning monarch.
As of early 2026, King Charles III does not live in Buckingham Palace primarily because it is undergoing a massive, £369 million ten-year renovation project that isn't scheduled for completion until 2027. The project involves replacing antiquated wiring, plumbing, and heating systems that haven't been overhauled since the 1950s. While the King uses the Palace for official state business, investitures, and weekly audiences with the Prime Minister, he and Queen Camilla continue to reside at Clarence House, their longtime home just a few hundred yards away. Beyond the construction, sources suggest the King views Buckingham Palace as "not fit for purpose in the modern world" due to its immense upkeep costs and environmental footprint. He has expressed a desire to keep the Palace as an "office" and a museum for the public, rather than a private home, dividing his personal time between Clarence House, Windsor Castle, and his favorite estate, Highgrove.